“I want that welterweight belt, but if it’s a hassle, then I don’t mind competing for the middleweight title.”

When asked for his thoughts on the match-up, EFC VP of Talent Graeme Cartmell said: “When an undefeated MMA spark asks to test his mettle, even at the risk of giving up 15lbs (6.6kg) to a seasoned veteran who is regularly accustomed to the taste of his own crimson sauce, how do you say no!”

Smith has been on tear since making his debut at EFC68, overcoming all in his way, finishing three fights in the first round.

He built a vicious reputation in the welterweight division with his lethal fists in his first two fights, before proving to the MMA community that he’s more than just a ‘stand-up’ fighter after putting veteran Pietie Coxen to sleep via guillotine in Pretoria, last December.